Historic Salem Massachusetts gives visitors a variety of appealing hotels and inns with charming amenities and excellent locations in the historic downtown area, close to the famous Peabody Essex Museum, witch museums, and waterfront attractions.
If you're planning an overnight visit to the "Witch Capital," you'll be pleased by what Salem hotels have to offer: a grand hotel, beautifully furnished historic inns, a sleek modern hotel with sweeping waterfront views, and several budget-friendly choices.
Each one has its own personality - so choose based on what you feel sounds like fun!
Our Top Salem, MA Hotel Picks
- Hawthorne Hotel - Elegant historical hotel close to top Salem attractions & Halloween events
- Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina - Ideal harborside location
- Harbor Light Inn - 18th century grandeur on the harbor in nearby Marblehead
Rates usually will be less than for comparable Boston city hotels, so a Salem visit provides an opportunity to explore all the interesting attractions in this historic waterfront city while helping your travel dollars go farther.
We also recommend hotels in other nearby scenic North Shore towns, so you'll have a diverse range of choices in Salem and the surrounding area. You'll find a great choice for every budget!
And remember - getting to Salem from Boston is easy - just hop on the Boston-to-Salem ferry and enjoy the scenic ride!
Related articles:
Halloween in Salem: Top Things to Do
Halloween in Boston: Top Things to Do
Top photo: Entertainers and pop-up shop by Peabody Essex Museum in Salem in October; (c) Paris Discovery Guide
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Hawthorne Hotel
The grand Hawthorne Hotel, built in 1925, is Salem's largest hotel with 93 rooms and suites, all individually furnished with 18th century-style canopy beds, comfy armchairs, and stately armoires.
The Hawthorne is the best Salem hotel if you want to experience the grandeur of an earlier time. It's also just a couple of blocks from the Peabody Essex Museum and various witch museums.
Alternately, you can stay in the Hawthorne's small historic Bed and Breakfast, the Suzannah Flint House, built in 1808 in Federal style and featuring 3 rooms and 1 suite, with complimentary breakfast at the Hawthorne Hotel.
Salem Inn
Three beautifully restored 19th century houses make up the gracious Salem Inn offering 40 rooms and suites. Choose from the 1834 classic Federal sea captain's house, the lovely 1854 Italianate Revival home, or the spacious 1874 Dutch Colonial.
All sport 21st century amenities, such as free internet access, but are furnished with antiques and period pieces.
Fireplaces, whirlpool baths, canopy beds, complimentary sherry, honeymoon suites, continental breakfast - you'll feel totally pampered!
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina
Located on historic Pickering Wharf, the Salem Waterfront Hotel is the newest Salem hotel and offers 86 spacious rooms and suites.
Free internet access, luxury linens, down comforters, and complimentary coffee will add to the comfort of your stay.
You'll enjoy the waterfront views, cute boutiques along the Wharf, and the convenience of being just a short walk from the Peabody Essex Museum, witch museums, and House of the Seven Gables, as well as the train station and ferry port.
Salem Essentials
- Getting to Downtown Boston: By car - about 35-60 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic; by Commuter Rail, about 35 minutes to Boston's North Station.
- When to Book: Make reservations for October as far ahead as possible. Other busy times: late May during graduation weekends (Salem State College, Endicott College in Peabody)
- Salem Attractions: Halloween in Salem
Coach House Inn
The Coach House Inn, a charming bed and breakfast hotel in a Victorian mansion, is only two blocks from the harbor - not surprising, as it was built by a sea captain in 1879.
Each room offers four-poster beds and antique furnishings, and some feature small sitting areas. Complementary breakfast is served in your room.
You'll love the vintage charm and superb location!
What if All Salem Hotels Are Booked?
Salem hotels fill up quickly. Especially during the summer and the month of October, you run the risk of finding every room booked.
In case that happens to you, consider these attractive options nearby:
Marblehead
Harbor Light Inn
The elegant Harbor Light Inn located in the historical harbor district features Federal-style architecture, 18th century furnishings, and fireplaces in most rooms.
In addition to being close to Salem, you'll also enjoy exploring the charming coastal village of Marblehead.
Peabody
Homewood Suites Peabody
The newly renovated suites with kitchens at Homewood Suites Peabody are perfect for short or extended stays in an area near local business parks.
Amenities include in indoor pool, fitness center, and free internet access.
Marriott Hotel Peabody
The recently renovated Marriott Hotel Peabody is located in a business park area close to Peabody Center and features a very nice pool with jacuzzi and fitness center.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Peabody
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Peabody offers refurbished rooms and suites with kitchenettes, indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
Looking for Fun Things to Do in Salem during Your Stay?
- Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl - The city's most popular tour
- History & Hauntings Walking Tour - Explore the city's rich historic, learn about the Salem Witch Trials, and hear some spooky tales
- Pirate Museum with Authentic Treasures - Immerse yourself in the world of pirates 300 years ago
More to Do & See in Salem
Salem Hotel Map
Enter your travel dates to see hotels with available guestrooms and get accurate rates.
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More Articles about Salem & Halloween
- Halloween in Salem - Parade, witch museums, more
- Halloween in Boston - Top events
- Day Trips to Salem - What to do & see during a day in Salem
- Boston-to-Salem ferry - Booking information
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